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From Arsenal to Burnley, Gavin Brown gives his verdict on the prospects of this season’s Premier League contenders.

ARSENALWith Cesc Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin tuned to the same wavelength the attack can be mesmeric. But defence is a worry.Good sense:Patrick Vieira would bring leadership, and maybe a Zimmer frame.Nonsense:Not replacing Kolo Toure.

In tune: Andrey Arshavin will orchestrate Arsenal’s attack

ASTON VILLALast season’s poor finish cost Villa a top-four berth and Man City have overtaken them as the side most likely to break the monopoly.Good sense:Fabian Delph.Nonsense:Failing to replace leaders like Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen.

BIRMINGHAM CITYWhile Burnley are feeling the thrill, the main sensation for yo-yo club Blues is déjà vu. But may still find three worse teams save them from the drop.Good sense:Barry Ferguson has a point to prove.Nonsense:An Ecuadorian striker calling himself ‘Chucho’.

BOLTON WANDERERSMoney on Bolton going down last season looked well spent. But a wafer-thin squad excelled and Gary Megson has spent well this summer.Good sense:Sean Davis.Nonsense:Zat Knight.

BURNLEYThe Clarets could lose every game and still give fans a great season. But patronise them at your peril, Owen Coyle’s a canny boss.Good sense:No big buys to upset the squad.Nonsense:It means they lack quality.

CHELSEAAfter a flirt with Big Phil’s fantasy football the Blues have another pragmatist at the helm in Carlo Ancelotti. They’ll challenge, but Roman Abramovich may have to go to his art collection for a fix of creativity.Good sense:Keeping John Terry.Nonsense:Too many old heads.

Chelsea captain John Terry is staying put

EVERTONThe new kit is a nod to the 1985 title win, but fans are more likely to see Marouane Fellaini with an Alan Harper ‘tache than Phil Neville lift the title.Good sense:Jo on loan.Nonsense:We don’t question ‘mad eyes’ Moyes, but Phil Senderos?

FULHAMThe reward for a fine campaign was European football. Let’s just hope nights out with FK Vetra and Amkar Perm don’t go to their heads.Good sense:Keeping Brede Hangeland.Nonsense:No cover in central midfield.

HULL CITYThe Tigers’ finish to last term made Villa’s look good. Needed a momentum shift but missed out on a string of targets.Good sense:Haven’t lost any key players.Nonsense:Haven’t added any.

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LIVERPOOLLook strong at front and back but will swapping Xabi Alonso for Alberto Aquilani hinder their title bid?Good sense:£30m for Xabi.Nonsense:No new striker so Ngog must step up.

MANCHESTER CITYIt’s been fantasy football in the market and Mark Hughes has more up front than a newly single Jordan. Defence still looks suspect though.Good sense:Their first buy â Gareth Barry.Nonsense:Did they really need three new strikers?

Luis Antonio Valencia was a low-key arrival at Manchester United

MANCHESTER UNITEDReplacing Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez with Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen has narrowed the gap to their title rivals but not by enough.Good sense:Owen for free.Nonsense:No big signing.

PORTSMOUTHA squad stripped of assets quicker than a debt-laden bank. If there’s a simpler recipe for relegation I’ve yet to read it.Good sense:Getting a tidy sum for Glen Johnson.Nonsense:Everything else.

STOKE CITYAn inability or reluctance to celebrate survival by breaking the bank may be a blessing.Good sense:Dean Whitehead brings nous in midfield.Nonsense:Still Tony Pulis’ baseball cap.

SUNDERLANDAfter the angst of the Keane and Sbragia eras smiley Steve Bruce could be just what Wearside needs, even if he is a Geordie.Good sense:Keeping Kenwyne Jones.Nonsense:The squad is too big.

TOTTENHAMHarry Redknapp’s bought so many old boys it’s a wonder he didn’t take the ailing Friends Reunited off ITV’s hands.Good sense:Sebastien Bassong brings youth and fitness in defence.Nonsense:Kyle Naughton. Another right-back.